At CNOOC International, how we work is as important as the results we deliver. We’re committed to partnering with community members and other stakeholders in the areas where we operate. We build long-term trust by sharing information, consulting with stakeholders about business decisions and working collaboratively to understand their needs and expectations.
We believe our approach to responsible development provides us with a competitive advantage by allowing us to maintain our social license to operate while also fostering support for our future growth.
Anticipating and managing the impacts our operations can have on our neighbouring communities and the broader society is at the heart of our approach to social responsibility. Our ultimate goal is to generate a net benefit for society as we pursue our vision: to deliver sustainable energy for all.
Taking the time to understand the issues important to our neighbouring communities and other stakeholders is the first step in social responsibility. We do this by engaging and consulting with local community stakeholders, including First Nation, Aboriginal and Indigenous groups. Our operations benefit from local suppliers who know the community and environment best. We also work with local governments, businesses and residents to enhance their capacity to provide goods and services. We strongly believe in giving back to the communities where we operate to ensure our presence results in mutual benefits.
Building Mutually Beneficial Relationships
Our approach is based on the belief that all stakeholders have a legitimate right to know about our planned and ongoing activities, and to be consulted on issues that affect them.
We define stakeholders as any individuals or groups who could be impacted by our operations or who could, through their own actions, affect our business. Many people have a stake in CNOOC International:
- Employees
- Governments and regulators
- Customers
- Community residents and landowners
- First Nations, Aboriginal peoples and Indigenous peoples
- Special interest groups and non-government organizations
- Investors
When determining the level of engagement required with stakeholders, we consider the size of the project or our operations, impact scope and the degree to which stakeholders themselves wish to be involved
Engaging with Integrity
Operating with integrity is a cornerstone of our culture and a key component of our engagement. Effective engagement plays an essential role in earning and maintaining our social license to operate by building trust-based relationships and establishing an open dialogue. In turn, this helps identify concerns, create opportunities and provide benefits to CNOOC International and the stakeholders affected by our business activities.
Respecting Universal Rights
We believe respecting human rights is a fundamental aspect of responsible energy development. Wherever we operate, CNOOC International’s commitment to respecting human rights remains the same. We strive to ensure business decisions are examined for their potential impact on human rights and by taking steps to ensure employees and contractors are never complicit in human rights violations.
One of the ways we assess and manage human rights risk is through a process known as Above Ground Reviews (AGRs). These reviews assess a country’s political, security, regulatory and social issues through interviews with government officials, industry operators, journalists, non-governmental organizations and security specialists. In addition to conducting AGRs prior to considering an initial investment in a new location, updates are conducted on a regular basis.